Devils Rumors: 5 Trade Targets Named For New Jersey

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

The New Jersey Devils are looking at trade options to strenghten their center depth as they gear up for a playoff push. 

With Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier anchoring the top two lines, GM Tom Fitzgerald is focused on finding a player who can strengthen the bottom six and provide a more complete lineup. 

Speaking to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Fitzgerald said, “You just can’t have enough centers,” emphasizing the need for a versatile addition to ensure the team is well-positioned for postseason success.

Sean O’Leary of The Score identified five potential targets for the Devils: Yanni Gourde (Seattle Kraken), Brock Nelson (New York Islanders), Ryan O’Reilly (Nashville Predators), Scott Laughton (Philadelphia Flyers), and J.T. Miller (Vancouver Canucks). 

Gourde and Nelson offer playoff-tested experience as short-term rentals, while Miller, Laughton, and O’Reilly have term remaining on their contracts. 

Miller’s name has been central to trade speculation, with reports of tension in Vancouver adding intrigue, while Laughton and O’Reilly could be valuable, though Nashville and Philadelphia may hesitate to move them.

With the Devils sitting third in the Metropolitan Division and on track to return to the playoffs, Fitzgerald believes adding depth is crucial to their postseason aspirations. 

As the trade deadline approaches, the team’s focus remains on finding a reliable center who can fit seamlessly into their four-line structure and elevate their chances in the playoffs.

Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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